Toyota Japan has just uncovered the wrap off the new Passo subcompact hatchback. The supermini co-developed with Daihatsu features collision avoidance assist system as standard across most variants.
Two variants offered are the conservative “X” and the stylish “Moda“. In essence, it looks more or less the same with its predecessor and each variant offers a different set of exterior fascia. The Passo’s impressive interior space is boosted by an additional 75mm in the legroom, adding points to its spaciousness.
It’s also expected to drive better than its outgoing model thanks to the retuned suspension, added stabilisers, and redesigned shock absorbers. Via the extended wheelbase and wider tyres, the Passo can achieve a tight turning circle of 9.2m in diameters.
A single powertrain is offered courtesy of a 1.0-litre 1KR-FE engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Just like any Japanese Domestic Models (JDM), the Toyota Passo is available either in front-wheel or all-wheel drives. While its modest 70 hp engine isn’t here to win traffic light drag race, its stellar fuel consumption should win buyers.
The front-wheel drive model records 28.0 km/L, the highest value achieved by a registered gasoline vehicle in Japan. The all-wheel drive model which adds a new idling-stop function returned 24.4 km/L.
Safety in the Passo is amplified by Daihatsu’s Smart Assist II driver assistance system. This includes a collision warning system for vehicles and pedestrians, brake assist function, lane departure warning, and so on.
Available in twelve colours, the Passo begins at 1,150,200 yen (approx RM41,350.00 in today’s rates) for the base 2WD X variant to 1,830,600 yen (approx RM66,000.00) for the most expensive 4WD Moda variant.
As you know, our Perodua Myvi is derived from the Toyota Passo and Daihatsu Boon models. Since the current second-generation Myvi has been around since 2011, chances are the new Myvi may be launched in 2017, inheriting much of the Toyota Passo’s attributes. Most importantly, will we see active safety such as Smart Assist II to be incorporated into our Myvis?
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